LUKE PLAPP has showed off his gruesome gash after suffering a horror cycling crash.
The Australian Olympian came off his bike during the time trial after the 13.1km checkpoint on Sunday.
Plapp, 23, was rushed to hospital as a result of his injuries which led to him having abdominal surgery.
He showed off his horrific cut on social media for his 31.5k followers.
The video showed Plapp having treatment as he filmed his fresh wound.
Despite the horror injury, Plapp appeared in good spirits as he added an optimistic caption.
He wrote: “Paris 2024, I had dreamt of this day for the last three years – not how I had imagined it, but I will definitely remember you.
“Still in hospital for the time being, but lucky to have my best mates by my side and support from everyone.
“See you in 1,445 days LA [The Olympic Games in 2028].”
Many of his fans flooded the comment section wishing the cyclist a speedy recovery.
One posted: “Wish you the best and fastest recovery possible Plapp.”
A second commented: “Oh Luke, I’m so incredibly sorry. Sending you lots of love and hugs for your recovery. What doesn’t kill us, makes us stronger.”
A third wrote: “All the best for the recovery mate.”
A fourth said: “LA doesn’t know what’s coming for it!!”
Another added: “That last slide is gnarly! Heal up!”
Plapp crashed off his bike due to the difficult conditions on the course.
Before the incident, he was only two seconds behind leader Wout van Aert, having previously set the fourth-best time in the event.
The moment after he dismounted was caught on camera as Plapp struggled to stand up and was helped off the road by a support member from the Aussie team.
WHAT TO WATCH TODAY...
TODAY’S BRIT MEDAL HOPES
Freestyle BMX world and European champ Kieran Reilly will be aiming to add the Olympic title to his collection (12.40pm).
Team GB’s men and women will both be in contention in the rowing quadruple sculls finals (11.25am).
BRITS TO WATCH
Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix – daughter of First Dates star Fred – and Lois Toulson go in the 10m synchro diving final (10am).
In the hockey, Team GB’s women know a win against South Africa is vital after starting with defeats to Spain and Australia (9.30am).
Commonwealth bronze medallist Jemima Yeats-Brown begins her -70kg judo campaign, two years on from losing her sister Jenny to brain cancer (9.20am).
GLOBAL STARS TODAY
The all-star USA men’s basketball team, featuring LeBron James and Steph Curry, face Olympic debutants South Sudan (8pm).
The 100m men’s freestyle final could be a classic with Tokyo champ Caeleb Dressel, new 200m gold medallist David Popovici plus Brits Duncan Scott and Matthew Richards all in contention (9.15pm).
And Jessica Fox could win her second gold of Paris 2024 if she defends her C1 canoe slalom from three years ago (4.25pm).
FANCY SOMETHING DIFFERENT?
The beach volleyball is always spectacular viewing at any Olympics but this year even more so – because it is being played at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
There are matches all throughout the day from 8am to 9pm.
Click here for all the events taking place at Paris 2024 today.
Follow all the action as it unfolds with our Paris 2024 Olympics LIVE blog.
